It is important to acknowledge the sacrifices of our servicemembers who preserve our freedom, but that is not enough. The sacrifices of the children of those who served should also be honored. Providing funds to assist these children so they can pursue higher education is a concrete way of showing how much we, as a nation, care.
See how the ALA Children of Warriors National Presidents’ scholarship will help Daegan Connolly pursue a military career: 

Who made you eligible for this scholarship? What does it mean to you to have a connection to the military?
My father made me eligible through his service as an infantry officer and a U.S Army Ranger. It means everything to me to have a connection to the military. It has defined my life through personal and family experiences, and has led me to become a future Army officer commissioning from West Point.

Can you describe the role the military has played in your life?
I grew up with my father being deployed. While for some, this may seem like a terrible thing — it filled me with extreme pride. My father was defending my and every American’s freedom. Through the rest of my life, the military gave me guiding values like duty, honor, and country. By following the example set by my father and by internalizing military values, I have started my own service to our nation as a cadet at West Point.

To earn this ALA scholarship, you had to complete 50 hours of volunteer service within your community during high school. What was it like to help in this way?  
My community service consisted of my Eagle Scout project. I built a barbecue for my local post, of which my father and I are members. After a year of work as a concrete layer, mason, metal worker, and project manager, the project summed up to 500 man hours and $3,000. It felt amazing to give back to the veteran community that gave me the values I live my life by, and my future career.

Tell us about your college plans and what you are studying.
I am a cadet at the United States Military Academy at West Point, and I am majoring in international affairs with a focus in government, institutions, and development.

What piqued your interest in this career?
My lifelong connection to the military and the example set by my father is a large portion of why I chose my career. I also believe I have a true talent for leadership and motivating teams to success. I think the best place to use my talent for leadership and serve others as a servant leader is as an Army officer.

What would you say to donors who support ALA scholarship funds to financially help students like you?
When considering your donation, please consider the students who will benefit. These are students who have been raised with high standards and high moral character given to them by their military connection. These things will make them into the future leaders of our nation. So, invest in our future and donate.